New heart pump eliminates seal

Dr. Leonard Golding, a former heart surgeon, is leading a team at
the Cleveland Clinic's Foundation developing a new LVAD called the CorAide. It
eliminates hemolysis and thrombosis problems by eliminating the seal and
reducing the pump to only three main components.

The pump's three components include a one-piece cast titanium
volute housing, a stator housing containing the motor windings, and a
cylindrical rotating assembly (the only moving part) containing a permanent
magnet and a set of impeller vanes on each axial end of the assembly.

The main pumping end of the rotating assembly has a primary
impeller, while the opposite end has a secondary impeller that allows a balance
of axial hydraulic forces. The configuration uses an inside-out motor along with
an inside-out radial bearing. The inside-out motor combines the magnetic drive
and bearing into one feature, and eliminates the need for a dynamic seal.

Focus on Fundamentals consists of 45-minute on-line classes that cover a host of technologies. You learn without leaving the comfort of your desk. All classes are taught by subject-matter experts and all are archived. So if you can't attend live, attend at your convenience.